2. I need an invitation letter to apply for a visa. How can I request one?
You must register for SIGGRAPH 2008 before you can request or receive a letter of invitation. If you register online, the system will allow you to print your invitation letter after you register. If you register by postal/courier service or fax, you can request an invitation letter by contacting the SIGGRAPH 2008 International Resources Co-Chairs and providing your registration confirmation number.

3. What kind of translation support can an international attendee or contributor receive at SIGGRAPH 2008?
During the conference week, Student Volunteers and the SIGGRAPH International Resources Committee (who are fluent in many languages) are available to help with translations, along with answering questions and problems that may arise for attendees. However, the students are not available to act as personal interpreters for any of the conference programs.

4. How can I find out if other people from my country or region are attending SIGGRAPH 2008?
Prior to the conference, your local ACM SIGGRAPH Chapter may be able to help you. See the Chapters Directory to find out if there is a chapter in your local area. During the conference, the International Center is a good meeting place, as it is specifically designed to provide a safe and comfortable area to network and meet other international attendees. The International Center holds cultural events throughout the week. You can also leave messages on the Message Board asking other attendees from your country or region to meet you at a specific time in the International Center.

5. Is there an area in the International Center to hold interviews with the press, to give a presentation, or to have a meeting?
Yes. To reserve the area for an interview, presentation, or meeting, please contact the the SIGGRAPH 2008 International Resources Co-Chairs in advance.

6. I have a laptop with a wireless network card. Will I be able to connect myself to the internet at the Los Angeles Convention Center?
Wireless service will be available throughout the convention center during SIGGRAPH 2008.

7. I am flying internationally. How early should I leave for the Los Angeles airport when I depart?
Most airlines now require that you check in around three hours in advance
for international flights due to the increased security checks. You should
contact your airline for more specific information.

8. I am planning on arriving before the conference or staying on after the conference. What is there to do in Los Angeles?
Here are just a few suggestions of things to do while you are in Los Angeles:

Here are just a few suggestions of things to do while you are in Los Angeles:

Visit Disneyland, Universal Studios or Los Angeles' Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Go to Hollywood and find your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, maybe even catch a glimpse of a famous personality. Spend a day in Santa Monica, where you can enjoy the ocean views, browse shops, and watch street performers at the Third Street Promenade shopping district and Santa Monica Place shopping mall.

10. I have never been to the Los Angeles Airport before. Where can I find information about the airport?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the city's major airport. It is served by most major national and international airlines, so scheduling a flight to Los Angeles should not be a problem. The airport's web site provides details about the airport's layout, along with arrival and departure times of scheduled flights.

11. How do I get from the airport to the convention center or downtown hotels?
LAX is approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of downtown LA. There are many transport options to and from the airport. For full directions please see the airport's web site.

12. Where can I exchange currency?
There are many currency exchange facilities in Los Angeles. Most banks exchange currency as do a number of travel centers in the city. Exchange services are more limited outside of Los Angeles, and it's best to carry US-currency travelers checks or small amounts of US cash.

13. Where can I use credit cards or travelers checks in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles businesses accept most credit cards and US-dollar travelers checks. Some restaurants accept cash only. Some businesses may require a photo identification card (passport or other identification) before cashing travelers checks. If you are purchasing items while at SIGGRAPH 2008 (registration passes, tickets, merchandise, etc.), please note that we do not accept bank ATM cards or foreign currency. SIGGRAPH 2008 accepts only US currency or a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).

14. What time zone is Los Angeles in?
Los Angeles is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From the first Saturday in April until the last Saturday in October, Los Angeles observes Daylight Savings Time and turns all its clocks ahead one hour.

15. What is Los Angeles's climate?
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is protected from extremes of temperature and humidity by the mountain ranges to its north and east. August and September are the hottest months, January and February the coolest and wettest. Temperatures are higher in the city and cooler nearer the ocean. The average LA temperature is around 70 F (21 C), though smog-shrouded summer days can get well over 90 F (32 C). Winter temperatures around 55 F (12 C) are not uncommon.